Changing the Focus of Recovery

Addiction recovery centers that provide science-based therapies are helping to change the focus of the entire process. Traditional programs are centered around counseling and twelve steps to guide participants through recovery. Meetings in the community serve as support once programs are completed. This perspective has been used for the past eighty years. It has helped millions of people get sober and remain sober. Some people respond well to this approach and enjoy years of success.

Research

Scientists, doctors, and practitioners have discovered a great deal about addiction since 1938. Substance abuse over long periods of time, for example, alter the pathways in the brain which lead to automatic responses to triggers. This is why behavior continues and people struggle. There are therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and related framework therapy (RFT), that can help participants reset those pathways for lasting success.

Perspective

Education regarding the science of addiction makes it clear to those struggling that it is possible to achieve long-term recovery. An emphasis on the life desired rather than fixing the problem transforms lives via empowerment. The view that people are not broken is the basis of programs that are built from scratch and updated frequently. Treatment outcomes are monitored to ensure techniques remain relevant.

Small settings with a stable team of staff work best to provide high quality services and customized programs to suit each participant. Some centers indicate that being in recovery is a staff requirement. Who better to understand the struggle and provide practical tools and insights than professionals in recovery themselves? People in the center tend to relate to staff and divulge much more information than when talking with professionals who have never experienced the difficulty and challenges of recovery.

Not for Everyone

Just as a twelve-step program does not work for everyone, this approach does not work for everyone. Most participants seeking a change in focus toward recovery have attempted recovery through traditional methods. A science-based recovery does not mean people are immune to temptation or setbacks. It does provide practical and proven techniques to change triggers into tools for remaining sober. Ask questions during intake to know what is expected and what to expect. Those considering seeking help can also click here for details.